It's Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week!

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown proclaimed May 15–21 as Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week. The observance provides an opportunity to educate Oregonians about the value of invasive weed detection and the need to support control efforts that protect the state's natural resources and economy.

According to one economic impact study, 25 of Oregon's most significant invasive weeds cause an estimated annual loss of about $83.5 million to the state's economy — a figure that could be well over a billion dollars without control efforts by state, county, and federal weed programs.

"Noxious weed control programs at the state and county level are important investments in successfully holding these invasive plants at bay in Oregon," Katy Coba, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, said. "It truly takes a team effort, especially given the negative impact invasive noxious weeds have throughout our state and the potential for much greater harm."

Primary election results set general election races

Oregon voters
weighed in yesterday on a variety of political races, from precinct committee chairs all the way up to president of the United States. And in all cases, except for president, the outcomes locked in the final matchups for the November general election.

For president, Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders won their respective primaries. Trump is the presumed Republican nominee, while Sanders continues to battle Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nod. For governor, Kate Brown easily prevailed over several Democratic challengers and will face Bud Pierce, who defeated Allen Alley and others. Meanwhile, Brad Avakian (D) will face off against Dennis Richardson (R) for secretary of state.

With these primary election results in the books, the Oregon Nurseries' Political Action Committee will continue to plan its endorsement process, which will take place over the summer. Endorsements are based on the candidate's understanding and support for issues that matter to the nursery industry. Members are urged to support ONPAC at the upcoming Duffers Classic Golf Tournament, then participate in the ONPAC endorsement process.

"Whether you're happy or unhappy with the election results we saw Tuesday, either way it's a good reason to be involved," OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said. "Your opinions matter and will help us shape the nursery industry agenda as we move towards this crucial 2016 election. With your help, we will continue to be a strong voice for growers and the overall industry."

Administration to increase threshold for overtime exemption

The White House was set to announce a new overtime rule on Wednesday that will essentially double the threshold at which salaried employees are exempt from overtime pay, from the current $23,660 to a new level of $47,476.

Labor Secretary Thomas Perez told reporters the exemption was originally intended for high-paid executives, but instead has denied overtime to low-level retail supervisors and entry-level office workers who often toil 50 to 70 hours a week.

Officials said that the threshold has been seldom adjusted. In 1975, 62 percent of full-time workers qualified for overtime, but only 7 percent do today. Employers, however, have raised concerns that the rule would require them to track hours for certain employees they currently don't. It could also force them to either pay employees more, or send them home after 40 hours and hire part-time help to help get tasks completed. Jordan Ramis is analyzing the effects of the new overtime rule and will be providing advice for OAN members in the near future.

Judge overturns Josephine County ban on GMOs

The ban on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Josephine County, Oregon, was struck down Monday by Circuit Court Judge Pat Wolke, who ruled the ordinance is pre-empted by state law.

"The state law says that the localities may not legislate in this area; and the voters of Josephine County have attempted to legislate in the exact same area. It is impossible to read the two enactments in harmony; so that the local ordinance must give way," Wolke said in his ruling.

Voters in the county approved the ban on GMOs in 2014 even though state lawmakers disallowed local governments from regulating the crops the prior year.

Lawmakers seek support for expanded H-2B visa program

Measures put in place last year quadrupled the number of foreign workers allowed to work temporarily in the U.S., and now some federal legislators are pushing for an extension of the expanded H-2B visa program.

According to a report published by International Business Times, nine members of the U.S. House of Representatives from both sides of the aisle recently sent a letter to the Appropriations Committee urging that the visa levels remain.

The visas provide a legal path for foreigners to work in various industries, including landscaping, housekeeping and seafood processing. The visas were capped at 264,000 during last year's omnibus budget negotiations. Previously the limit was set at 66,000.

Save the date: May 28 — Inviting Vines Garden Party & Tour

On Saturday, May 28, clematis enthusiasts will congregate for the ninth annual Inviting Vines Garden Party and Tour. This day-long event includes private tours of two private gardens, plus a visit to the Rogerson Clematis Garden and Greenhouse at Luscher Farm in Lake Oswego.

The day includes refreshments, presentations, and the opportunity to purchase clematis merchandise. Tickets are $20.

OHP biofungicide receives organic certification

OHP, a provider of pesticide solutions for the greenhouse and nursery industry, announced that its Triathlon® BA biofungicide is now listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for organic use.

"While Triathlon BA complies with the USDA for organic production, the OMRI listing is a very important additional certification," Terry Higgins, OHP vice president of sales, said.

Triathlon BA is a broad-spectrum preventative biofungicide for control of a wide variety of fungal and bacterial diseases on ornamentals, fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices grown in greenhouses, nurseries and shadehouses.

National Garden Bureau supports the healing power of plants

The National Garden Bureau (NGB) announced a $5,000 grant to be split among three therapeutic gardens in North America. Beginning in May, NGB will begin accepting applications from therapeutic gardens that promote the health and healing powers of human interaction with plants, and that meet the following set of criteria:

Have a defined program, such as horticultural, occupational, physical, vocational or rehabilitation therapy in a garden setting or using gardening to promote positive social relationships within a community.

Offer a nature experience/interface for audiences including veterans, special-needs children or young adults, the elderly and/or those recuperating from specific injuries or addictions.

Be used for job training, skill building, or food growing for at-risk youth, veterans, or the elderly.

Involve a large number of gardeners, clients, patients, visitors or students on a monthly basis.

HRI scholarship applications due May 31

The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) is currently accepting scholarship applications for the 2016–17 school year. Scholarships are available for students who are seeking a lifelong career in horticulture. Applications must be completed using the HRI online application form; the deadline to apply is May 31, 2016.

Membership includes opportunities to market your business and save money. Our member savings calculator helps you quantify your membership return on investment.

Members invited to Open House and Member Benefits Fair TODAY!

All OAN members are invited to an Open House where they can meet the association staff, as well as various providers of exclusive member benefits — including free legal advice, competitive OAN-endorsed health coverage, the Trucks to Trade Shows program, and discounts on fuel, office supplies, Farwest Show booths, advertising and more!

The Open House and Member Benefits Fair will be held from 4–6 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 in the Dick Joyce Conference Room at OAN, 29751 SW Town Center Loop West, Wilsonville, Oregon. Drop in anytime. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.

This event is a great opportunity for networking and finding out how you can get more from your OAN membership. For planning purposes, please RSVP by Monday, May 16 to Allison Pennell at 503-682-5089 or apennell@oan.org.

Ship and save with OAN Trucks to 2016 Summer Trade Shows

The OAN is coordinating trucks to two summer trade shows — Cultivate'16 and IGC Chicago — and we are forming a waitlist for a third, IGC Baltimore.

Space is limited and reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. To make a reservation, fill out the order form and send it to Ali Pennell (apennell@oan.org or fax it to 503-682-5099). For questions, contact Ali at 503-582-2010.

OAN Open House and Member Benefits Fair
♦ MAY 18 - All OAN members are invited to an Open House and Member Benefits Fair at the Oregon Association of Nurseries! Join us to learn more about the terrific programs and benefits that are available to OAN members, including Legal Access, health coverage, Trucks to Trade Shows, fuel discounts, credit card processing, discounted Farwest Show booths and OAN advertising, and much more! Join us from 4–6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18 in the Dick Joyce Conference Room at OAN, 29751 SW Town Center Loop West, Wilsonville, Oregon. More Info »

Duffers Classic Golf Tournament
♦ JUNE 9 - The 27th annual Duffers Classic Golf Tournament is scheduled to take place at the Stone Creek Golf Club in Oregon City, Oregon, on Thursday, June 9. A benefit for the Oregon Nurseries' Political Action Committee, the event is a great way to reconnect with friends, have a lot of fun, and support a strong nursery industry voice in Salem and Washington, D.C. Sign up before June 1 and save $10 off the regular registration fee of $109! Sponsorships available. More Info »

Biological pest management workshop in English & Spanish
♦ JUNE 15 - "Jump on the Biocontrol Bus: Introductory Biological Pest Management for Nurseries & Greenhouses" will train field and greenhouse growers in beginning methods of biological control. The workshop and educational tour/demonstration will be offered in English and Spanish, and will take place at the OSU North Willamette Research & Extension Center (NWREC), located at 15210 NE Miley Rd., Aurora, Oregon. Pre-registration is required. More Info »

Farwest Show
♦ AUGUST 25-27 - Register now for the Farwest Show, taking place Thursday–Saturday, August 25–27, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The show is growing; last year's attendees met over 400 exhibitors from across the globe and connected with over 6,000 industry professionals. This year is on track to be even better.

Registration offers range from a $5 admission for OAN members on up to combination tickets that help you save big. All include an early bird discount if you register now. More Info »

OAN Resource Guide

This 20-page PDF will help you get more from your OAN membership investment. It includes the full list of current OAN board, staff, chapter and committee contacts for the 2016 membership year. In addition, it has information about the member benefits that are available to you.

Our range of respected publications and engaging events provide valuable opportunities to strategically deliver your message and help achieve your sales and marketing goals. From print to digital to in person at the Farwest Show, we can help you find the best way to reach key nursery industry decision-makers through advertising and sponsorship. And as an OAN member you receive exclusive discounts and can save even more with our frequency discount for multiple ads. Download our Media Kit for all the details and contact Blair Thompson at 503-582-2012 or ads@oan.org to discuss how OAN advertising and sponsorship can help your business grow.